WEIMER: Small trains still big

Some lucky kids or adults receive gifts that will always want to get out at Christmas time and relive the happiness that morning you opened it for the first time.

Every year we are invited to a neighbor's house to watch the model train set up on the dining room buffet. The owner is a man in his mid-80s; he isn't getting childish, he just loves his Lionel train.

Each year sets it up so that all of his friends can come and enjoy his prized possession, which he received as a young boy.

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In those days all train sets were made of much sturdy material; today, with the right amount of money, you can still purchase trains made to last forever.

His layout has all of the "bells and whistles" any boy would want, the railroad station, crossing towers, a bridge crossing and many other buildings. The exhibit stays up all through the holidays and then on throughout January and sometimes even February.

When I visited this year, it reminded me of others who have also been party to this display. One man, when a child, couldn't have such an expensive gift and it was all that he ever really wanted. The family's income was limited .

One year he happened to mention to his wife that he had always wanted a train but never believed when he mentioned it what could happen. The next Christmas there was a rather large box made for him. And, to his surprise, Santa had left a Lionel train.

The next year with a plywood form the train ran around the tracks, whistle blowing and smoke coming out of the stack. And, again, every year the train comes out and runs under the tree to the delight not only for him, but others who happen to be visiting when the train is running.

Trains are fascinating.

In Canastota, before the trains and tracks were elevated, it was common to see parents standing with their children watching trains roll by; and it still happens today.

Gatehouses with crossing bars raised and lowered by gatekeepers would be another interest for many. When a train was heard coming, kids would stand by the gatehouse and watch the keeper put the wooden "arms" down stopping traffic while the train passed through blowing its horn repeatedly to warn of its oncoming.

Residents living near the crossings would get to know the gatekeepers and chats and visits would often occur during the absence of the train schedule. Most men who tended gates were local residents and known to everyone.

In Canastota there were two gatehouses, one was street level and the other was a two-story tower. Visiting the one that was street level usually attracted more persons than the tower unless you climb the several stairs to the top for a visit and I don't think that was allowed by the New York Central Railroad Co.

So, if you received a choo-choo for Christmas take care of it and enjoy it along through the years.